The Bite Magazine - Spring/Summer 2021 - Issue 29

bitewatches F rom providing aviation instruments to the British Roy- al Air Forces in the early 1940s, the All-Black Navi- timer to the US Aircraft Owners and Pilot Association (AOPA) and the first Co-Pilot chronograph timepiece to military pilots in the early 1950s, Breitling established itself as the go-to for precision-made chronometers. They then created Superocean: a collection of two ground-breaking diving watches, the time-only diver and chronograph, later that decade. In the 1960s, they provided the baby-bloomer generation of that era with a sportier and more contemporary version of the ever-successful Navitimer worn by some of the most excellent musicians and sportspeople of the time like Miles Davis and Graham Hill. They realised that young people wouldn’t buy the kind of watches their fathers would wear, so they presented Top Time, an affordable chronograph with simple yet elegant lines and exceptional quality and precision with unique dials and push-buttons. The Chronomat was created in the early 1980s for the Ital - ian Frecce Tricolori Jet team, who were looking for a new chronograph for its pilots. Ernest Schneider, who took over the company from Willy Breitling in 1979, a watchmaker and pilot himself, discovered why some pilots returned with broken watch crystals. When opening the aircraft’s canopy after landing, some would give their watch a hard knock against the metal frame as they extended their arms. He used four ‘rider tabs’ to protect the crystal in the bezel. Whilst most of their timepieces have been primarily aimed at men since their establishment in 1884, Breitling has created a variety of dedicated women’s models since the 1940s. The ladies’ TransOcean was called the “most won- derful expression of Breitling precision” back in 1957. The Lady J made a bold statement in the 1990s before the Galactic brought a “blend of refined luxury and uncompro - mising technical sophistication” in 2010. The more recent pieces were Navitimer 35 and Superocean 36. Last year, Breitling introduced the elegant 35 mm Navitim- er Automatic designed for women of style, action and pur- pose. This modern take on the Navitimer Automatic 35 has a distinctly sophisticated personality inspired by some of the most impressive Breitlings of the 1950s. With a choice of colourful dials, a mother-of-pearl dial set with diamonds and alligator leather straps, this timepiece is perfect for women in the boardroom or on a weekend away. For their Spotlight Squad, the brand featured actress and director Charlize Theron, prima ballerina Misty Copeland and actress Yao Chen, three talented women who are rec - ognised amongst the best in performing arts. “Not only do these fierce women put the spotlight on the stage, but these self-made philanthropists also use their success to help and empower others.” They are referenced for shar- ing the brand’s dedication to change, diversity and inno- vation. Charlize’s chosen timepiece is the Stainless Steel Chro - momat Automatic 36 Gem-set in White. This stylish yet elegant modern-retro inspired watch with an iconic Rou- leaux bracelet, a butterfly clasp, and Breitling Caliber 10 chronometer is versatile sporty and chic for any occasion. Images courtesy of Breitling